•A revered monarch departs
When he was crowned Olubadan of Ibadan, the capital of present-day Oyo State, at the age of 93 in 2007, it was the climax of an ascent that began 35 years earlier with his appointment as the Mogaji of his Ladunni family compound at Oja-Igbo in 1972. He became the Jagun-Olubadan in 1976, and reportedly climbed 22 hierarchical rungs to the apex of royal power within 31 years.
Oba Samuel Odulana, Odugade 1, born on April 14, 1914, lived to a ripe old age of 101. His epochal 100th birthday celebration last year had the colour of a festival, not only on account of his uncommon age but also because of the significance of the Ibadan throne. Described as West Africa’s largest city, Ibadan was the capital of the old Western Region and remains relevant in the context of national politics.
Oba Odulana’s death on January 19 marked the end of a remarkably eventful life during which he played several notable parts. After his education, he had a stint at the United African Company (UAC) as a produce clerk, and then became a teacher at the Church Missionary Society (CMS) Elementary School, Jago, in 1938. He taught in a number of schools until 1942.
He joined the Army while World War II raged, and was given the responsibility of demobilising returning soldiers in Lagos after the war, a role that earned him an award for exemplary character from the Army 4th Brigade. Afterward, he worked in the Colonial Office Education Department in 1946.
He went into politics and contested for a seat in the House of Representatives in the 1959 pre-independence federal elections. He represented his constituency in parliament. Nigeria’s first military coup in January 1966 ended his political activities.
He then focused on philanthropy and community mobilisation, for which he was held in high respect. His love for Ibadan and his efforts towards the development of the ancient city were noteworthy. The testimonial by his daughter, Princess Yemi Showunmi, is worth mentioning: “My father had many dreams for Ibadanland, but the only one he did not achieve was the creation of Ibadan State. He achieved his desired peace for Ibadan. He displayed so much love towards the building of a greater Ibadan.”
For instance, he was passionately involved in the establishment of development-oriented organisations, including the Ibadan Economic Foundation and the Ibadan Progressive Union.
As a symbol of Yoruba culture and custodian of Yoruba customs, Oba Odulana upheld the age-old values of the race. He ruled with dignity and a sense of responsibility. It is a testimony to the strength of the Ibadan throne that it is acknowledged by the political authorities. Also, it is a testimony to Oba Odulana’s place in history that he played his royal role without diminishing the grandeur of his status.
Oba Odulana was good for his times, and his reign was positive for his people. His leadership style was exemplary and uncontroversial. In a telling tribute, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, said: “As a public servant, Ibadan traditional chief, Yoruba leader of thought and finally as the revered king of Ibadan, Oba Odulana was exemplary and he distinctly raised the bar of good leadership among his subjects.”
Beyond Oba Odulana’s life and times, however, Ibadan’s seamless royal succession guide offers useful lessons. It is a reflection of organisation and fidelity to structure that the succession process is settled and unlikely to be marred by ambitious wannabes.
Oba Odulana lived long enough to make a mark, and he did. His life story is a demonstration of the possibilities of longevity.